Safety Procedures.

The safety and physical well-being of officers and other individuals in and around the crime scene are the initial responding officer(s’) priority.

Policy:

The initial responding officer(s) arriving at the scene shall identify and control any dangerous situations or persons.

Procedure:

The initial responding officer(s) should:

a. Ensure that there is no immediate threat to other responders; scan the area for sights, sounds, and smells that may present danger to personnel (e.g. hazardous materials such as payloads that contain IED or Biohazards). If the situation involves a payload, biological weapons, or radiological or chemical threats the appropriate personnel/agency should be contacted before entering the scene.

b. Approach the scene in a manner designed to reduce the risk of harm to the officer(s), while maximizing the safety of victims, witnesses, and others in the area.

c. Survey the scene for dangerous persons and control the situation.

d. Notify supervisory personnel and call for assistance/backup.

Summary:

The control of physical threats will ensure the safety of officers and others present.